Gravimetry

Method for quantifying the separated welding quantity in a defined time unit.

Gravimetry (derived from "gravis" = heavy) is the determination of the amount of secreted sweat per minute. The measurement is carried out by determining the increase in weight of absorbent filter paper using a very fine calibrated laboratory balance. For this purpose, a piece of commercially available laboratory filter paper is first weighed, then placed on areas of a patient affected by hyperhidrosis which sweat heavily (e.g. axillae), left there for 5 minutes and then weighed again. The empty weight of the filter paper is subtracted from the weighed filter paper after exposure. If the sweat secretion exceeds 100-150 mg/5 min (= 20-30 mg/min), hyperhidrosis is assumed. However, there is no limit value set by guidelines to distinguish hyperhidrotics from "normal sweating" people. In this respect, the individually felt impairment of the quality of life with hyperhidrosis must always be taken into account.

If the limit value of 20-30 mg/min is exceeded, the results of gravimetric measurements should be attached to applications for reimbursement of the costs of surgical procedures for hyperhidrosis therapy (sweat gland curettage) or botulinum toxin treatments.